Warped (The Manipulation Trilogy Book 2)

by Alicia Taylor

  With one final glance in the mirror, I slip on shoes that match the crystals on my dress. Gems swirl and dance up my feet and wrap around my ankles. Picking up my clutch, I leave our bedroom and head out to meet Damon, who is waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. When he gets a good look at me his mouth visibly drops open. That single move makes my heart flutter. He makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman in the world. I still have issues believing that he wants me, but I'm trying, not just for me but for our baby. She deserves to have her daddy in her life.

  Damon meets me when I get to the final step, his arm wraps around my waist and he pulls me towards him, kissing me with so much passion it takes my breath away.

  “You look beautiful Ella,” he rasps. “You’re so fucking sexy.” Damon’s hands run across my bump as he kisses the tip of my nose. “Mine,” he declares, before pulling me out the door and to the car. Damon has arranged for a driver to take us to the Ice Lounge.

  ****

  When we arrive at the Ice Lounge twenty minutes later I’m floating on a high. As we walk through the entrance I notice all the little details Spencer has seen to. Crystals are everywhere, glistening in the lighting. Hanging from the ceiling are two massive bird cages with large glass hoops dangling inside, with women in white costumes with angel wings swinging, twirling, and dancing on the hoops. It's spectacular. I feel like I’m in the circus and I stand for a moment, mesmerised at the routine they are performing.

  When we walk fully in to the room all our friends and Damon’s family are there to greet us, and they greet Damon with such adoration that my eyes fill with tears. Flora and George greet me the same way, like I'm already their daughter.

  I get passed around to family members and family friends who offer their congratulations on the wedding and the baby. It’s only when someone asks when we plan to get married that I realise we haven’t actually set a date.

  Damon recaptures me after several minutes and we mingle together. After about an hour of pleasantries my feet are killing me and I really need to use the bathroom. Letting go of Damon’s hand I excuse myself and rush off to the ladies room. As I'm walking around the corner I spot Lacy and Sofia. I walk over to them, and give them both a hug, and thank them for coming.

  “You look beautiful Ella. I bet Damon is struggling to keep his hands off you. I know I wouldn’t be able to if I were him.” I chuckle at Lacy's comment but before I get to respond, a voice sounds out. A voice that makes my skin crawl

  “I agree Lacy. Damon has always had a problem with keeping his hands off gold-diggin’ whores,” Leona sneers. Her whiny voice grates on my nerves. “What's the matter Ella, cat got your tongue?” Turning my body fully towards her, I take a step forward but Sofia grips my arm and pulls me back.

  “Ella, she isn’t worth it.” I track Sofia’s gaze down my body. Her eyes stop at my stomach where my hand has automatically moved to rest on my bump. I know what she’s saying, and she’s right. Leona isn’t worth it.

  I turn back to Leona and see her hate filled eyes are directed at my stomach. “Oh yes, I heard about the spawn. I would say congratulations but,” she pauses and looks away as if she’s thinking before looking back at me, her eyes filled with disdain. “But I don’t really give a fuck.”

  “Shut the fuck up Leona and back off,” Sofia snaps. Leona looks shocked for a second before she pulls herself together and glares at her.

  “Why don’t you fuck off back to the background where you’ve always been? You’re always around Sofia, but you’re not important so don’t try acting like you are.” Leona rebukes.

  “You’re not fucking wanted here Leona so leave, before I get Damon to make you,” Lacy snarls.

  “No one wants you here. How did you even get in?” Sofia demands. I laugh.

  “She’s her mum’s plus one. We invited Steen and Sandra but Steen was forced to stay home so Leona could get in,” I tell them.

  Lacy and Sofia giggle, making me chuckle with them. It’s a little desperate if you ask me.

  Leona’s rage filled eyes glare at us before settling on me, hate making her sneer.

  “Don’t fucking laugh at me you stupid little slut,” she spits. “The only reason Damon is marrying you is because of your brat. We all know it, but I’m the only one voicing it. It isn’t because he fucking loves you. Damon doesn’t love. He can’t love.” I take a step back from her venomous words. Do people really think that? I look at Lacy and Sofia wondering, just for a second, if they believe that. They just had my back. No way do they think I’m trapping Damon. That thought gives me strength as I stand taller and face Leona head on.

  “Leave, Leona. Now. I don’t need Damon to take you out. I’ll do the job myself, pregnant or not.” I don’t know what she sees on my face, whether it’s determination, or truth, but she turns away from me and storms off without another word.

  I inhale a calming breath and make my way to the ladies room. When I exit the cubicle Lacy and Sofia are standing, leaning against the sinks. I walk over without making eye contact, grab a paper towel and wet it, dabbing at my overheated face.

  “I hate her. She fucking gets to me every time,” I say, finally meeting their eyes in the mirror. Neither replies but they both walk over to me and put their arms around me. It feels so good to have real girlfriends who understand what an evil fucked up cow Leona really is. If only I could get Damon to see the real her.

  We walk out of the toilets and I instantly start looking for Damon. After my run in with Leona I want him to hold me. I need that reassurance.

  I spot him standing by the double doors that lead out to the outside balcony. His eyes meet mine and he gives me the most breathtaking smile I have ever seen. I don’t know if it’s my encounter with Leona or my pregnancy hormones, but I find my speed picking up to get me to him quicker. I'm almost running, and when I finally reach him I throw myself into his arms, and he stumbles back in surprise but manages to hold on to me, keeping me steady.

  “Are you okay beauty?” he asks. Worry is clear in his voice and his touch. His hands run up and down my body, making sure I’m unharmed. I nod my head into his chest before lifting my head to look at him.

  “I am now,” I smile.

  “Dance with me baby.” I nod my head yes, take his hand and turn towards the dance floor, but instead Damon tugs me through the doors out onto the balcony. I'm speechless when I see what he has arranged. Candles are lit all around, and there are fairy lights hanging above. It looks amazing and romantic.

  I run my hand along the banister. The view looks out over the lights of London, and it’s breathtaking. The night sky twinkles and buildings light the streets from below, giving a magical aura to this wonderland Damon has created for us. I take a deep breath before I turn to face Damon, who is watching me with an intense expression on his face.

  Damon doesn’t speak, but he reaches into his pocket and removes his phone. After pressing a few buttons the melody of a song I recognise begins to play. He puts his phone on the ledge and takes a step towards me, pulling me into his arms just as the voice of Roberta Flack sings into the night. The opening line to The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face plays as tears fill my eyes. I rest my head on his chest and sway with him to the music. It’s the most romantic moment of my life.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

  DAMON

  I watch Ella as she walks back into the room with Lacy and Sofia. Her eyes scan the crowd, and a little frown appears on her face. It’s obvious that she can’t find what she’s looking for, but then her eyes settle on mine, and I see it. She was looking for me. My heart does a fucking flip that would usually make me want to run, but with Ella I just want to take her in my arms.

  Once her eyes have taken me in, her face breaks into a beautiful smile, and she doesn’t even say anything to Lacy and Sofia as she walks towards me, picking up speed with each step.

  I’m about to reach out for her when she comes crashing into my arms, making me take a step back, having to use the wall
for support.

  Ella burrows her face in my chest and I rub her back. She clings to me, and I know something has upset her.

  “Are you okay beauty?” I ask as I check her for injuries. I know it’s a dick move, but my cock starts to stiffen as my hands glide the length of her body. She feels fucking perfect against me. I feel her nod her head yes before she looks up.

  “I am now.”

  I stare deep into her green eyes, barely believing I get to keep her, that she really fucking loves me.

  “Dance with me?” Ella nods and grasps my hand, trying to pull me to the dance floor. I gently tug at her hand, letting her know that I want to go out on the balcony. She smiles and walks out the doors.

  I stand back and let her take in everything surrounding us. It looks fucking amazing, Sofia has outdone herself. I didn’t trust Spencer with this romance shit, and I asked Sofia to set up the balcony. It’s better than I imagined. Don’t get me wrong, Spence has made Ice Lounge look fan-fucking-tastic, but it needed the girly touches if I’m going to get what I want.

  Ella doesn’t spend much time looking at the lights of London that gleam from below, and she’s not interested in the hustle and bustle of people on the streets. She barely pays attention to anything other than the lights and candles filling most space on the balcony. She turns to look at me and her beautiful face is lit up with excitement.

  Taking out my phone I look through my music until I find the perfect song I want us to dance to. When I finally find The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack, I hit play and move towards her.

  Pulling her into my arms, she rests her head on my chest, placing her arms around my waist. We stay like this for a few minutes. I don’t want to break this moment.

  “Are you having fun?” I look down as she looks up and her emerald eyes make my breath catch in my throat.

  “It’s been amazing Damon. Thank you.” I return her smile. It really has. Spencer and Sofia have pulled off an amazing party.

  “I think we need to thank Spencer. He has done an amazing job, so maybe we should ask him to organise the wedding,” I laugh. “He has a talent.”

  We stop dancing at the mention of the wedding. We haven’t really discussed anything regarding the wedding and I want to correct that right now.

  “Have you thought about when you want to get married baby?” I ask, and her mood instantly changes. Ella moves away, and goes to stand by the railing, looking out over the night sky. I move behind her, placing my hands around her waist, and rest them on her bump.

  “Are you sure this is what you want? The baby and me, are we enough for you?” She doesn’t look at me when she asks this, and her voice is shaking as though she is scared of what my answer will be.

  “You're all I will ever want Ella. You're everything to me. I just want you to be my wife, and I will wait forever if I have to, but I'm hoping you feel the same way. I was thinking we could do it in about six weeks. Is that too soon?” She stays silent for a few minutes then she looks up at me with tears in her eyes.

  “Yes, I will marry you Damon. Tomorrow or the day after or even the day after that. I’m not bothered when we do it. I will marry you tonight if you want to, here and now. I just want to spend the rest of my life with you. The other details don’t matter to me. None of it does.” I can hear sadness in her voice and I know it’s because she has no family. Cradling her face in my hands I run kisses along her face before eventually settling one on her mouth.

  “I’m glad you said that baby. How would you feel about getting married at my parent’s house? It can be a small affair or massive. Whatever you want Ella.”

  “I just want you, Damon.”

  “I love you Ella Knight.” This is the fucking happiest day of my life. No one will ever take my beauty away from me.

  She is Mine.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

  AUGUST 25TH 2014

  ELLA

  I walk into the church ready to marry the man I love. Damon stands at the altar looking at me with a smile on his face, but before I can take a step towards him, everything changes. People are crying and reaching for me, telling me they’re sorry. I try looking through the crowd of faceless people for Damon, but I can’t find him.

  I push my way past the people surrounding me, finally breaking free to find Damon. My dress stops me from being able to move freely, weighing me down each time someone steps on it. I spot him when I finally pass the crowd surrounding me. He’s still standing at the altar, but now he looks sympathetic, like he’s sad for me. I don’t understand his reaction so I walk down the aisle to him and he pulls me into his strong arms.

  I pull back to look in his warm chocolate eyes that are swimming with tears. What the fuck is happening?

  “I don’t... what’s happening Damon?... I thought–” I’m cut off when a blood-curdling scream rings out above all the weeping. I turn in the direction of the noise but I can’t see anyone. As I turn to look back towards Damon something catches my eye and I freeze. What is this? What the fuck is this? I turn, wide eyed, to look at my perfect man.

  “Damon what is going on? Why is there a coffin at our wedding?” I ask. My voice shakes with fear and my brain tries to shut out anything that’s going to cause me pain. I can see it in Damon’s eyes. This is going to cut me deep.

  “Beauty,” he stops, at a loss for words. Tears spill from his eyes, “I’m so fucking sorry baby. So sorry.”

  “I don’t... I don’t understand, Damon.” I say as tears begin to splash down my cheeks. I wipe them away with my hands, not wanting to ruin my makeup. This is supposed to be my wedding day. It’s supposed to be a happy day, not a sad one. “Please tell me.”

  Damon cups my face and softly strokes my tears away, looking deep in my eyes. His tears continue to flow as he struggles to tell me what’s wrong.

  “Baby, I’m so fucking sorry–” he’s cut off with that god awful scream again, but still I can’t see where the noise is coming from.”Ella I fucking love you, more than you will ever know. I know this will be hard but we can get through this.” I don’t know what “this” is. Nothing is making sense. No one is telling me what is happening.

  Suddenly the priest appears and tries to calm things down. He asks people to take their seats and directs Damon and me to the front row. I sit down numbly, still none the wiser as to what’s happening.

  “Welcome everyone. We’re gathered here today to celebrate the life of Antony Knight. His passing has come as a shock to most of you but God has a reason for having his child returned. He now has a new purpose to fulfil.” At his words a sob rips from my chest. How is this happening? I’ve already buried my pops. Why is this happening?

  Damon pulls me to him and wraps his arms around me, as he silently cries.

  “No, no, no, no. It’s not real. It can’t be,” I cry but no one pays me any attention. I scream out for them to hear me but no sound comes out. My voice has gone. Please not this again. I can’t face this pain again. Damon gently rocks me, trying to soothe me but it’s no use.

  “Daddy,” I cry.”Don’t leave me again, please come back,” I sob into Damon’s chest.

  “I’m so sorry baby, please forgive me.” Damon mumbles.

  My heart thumps in my chest, breaking me down. Oh God, this pain is too raw, it’s too deep. I can’t take it. I look around at all the people surrounding me but none of them have faces. They’re just blurry like they were the first time I had to let Pops go.

  The coffin has curtains slowly closing around it now, shutting my pops away. I stand, not wanting him to go.

  “No, daddy, no,” I scream trying to break away from Damon’s hold so I can get to my pops. I smack at his hands, trying to get him off me, but he doesn’t let go.

  “Beauty, you need to sit down. It’s time to let go of the past. It’s time to be free, baby.”

  I can’t listen to him, I can’t believe he wants me to let go. I don’t want to give up my daddy again. I can’t do it. I need him here with m
e.

  “Please daddy, please don’t go. I’m not ready. I need you.” I fall to my knees and try to crawl away from Damon, and towards my pops.

  “Ella you have to let go of him. It’s time baby,” Damon says, trying to pull me back into his arms.

  “Fuck you,” I scream at him. How can he expect me to give up my pops? Does he not understand how much I need my dad?

  “Get off me, let me go,” I cry. “Please Damon. Please let me go.” He doesn’t.

  A scream rings out again and when I look towards the noise this time I see Lydia. I suck in a shocked gasp. It’s not possible, she’s dead. She can’t be at my wedding.

  “Lydia,” I cry and try to take a step to her, but Damon holds me back. “Damon let me go,” I demand, but he doesn’t. Instead he pulls me behind him like he’s protecting me from her. Is he crazy? I don’t need protection from my sister.

  I struggle to break free so I can go to her, then I hear Lydia speak. The entire church has gone silent and the faceless people are watching the scene unfold in front of them.

  “You did this, you bitch. You’ve ruined everything. Damon is mine,” she screams before rushing towards us. “I’ll kill you. I’ll fucking kill you, you bitch.” I cry out as I take in her words.

  “I didn’t mean to. Lyd I’m so sorry,” I try to get out but she’s not listening to me,(period) she’s not hearing what I’m saying. She just continues screaming at me.

  “You’ve taken him from me.” I’ve never seen Lydia this angry at me before, never seen her so enraged. “You can’t have him.”

  “I’m sorry, Lyds. I’m so sorry,”